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Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

3458
ExCeL London
17 Mar - 19 Mar, 2025

Product Offerings

Products:

Publications: Frozen Food Report 2022, Guide to the Storage & Handling of Frozen Foods

Events: British Frozen Food Awards, Gala Dinner Dance

Membership Services: Industry representation, Technical guidance, Health & Safety support

The British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) is the leading trade association representing the entire UK frozen food industry. Established over 75 years ago, BFFF plays a critical role in promoting, supporting, and advancing the frozen food sector, which contributes significantly to the UK’s food economy. From manufacturers and retailers to logistics providers and equipment suppliers, the Federation unites over 250 member companies under a shared mission to champion the advantages and innovation within the frozen category.

Core Business

BFFF functions as a comprehensive industry body that provides advocacy, guidance, and networking opportunities for stakeholders across the frozen food supply chain. Its core business focuses on:

  • Representing the interests of the frozen food industry to government and regulators
  • Providing technical, health and safety, and legislative support
  • Hosting key industry events and awards
  • Publishing market intelligence and thought leadership reports

Product & Service Offerings

While not a product manufacturer, BFFF delivers a wide range of services and informational resources to its members, including:

  • Industry Publications

    • Frozen Food Report 2022: An in-depth market overview and consumer trend analysis
    • Storage & Handling Guide: Best practices for frozen food logistics and safety
  • Events and Networking

    • British Frozen Food Awards: Recognizes innovation, quality, and marketing excellence
    • Annual Gala Dinner Dance: Premier networking event for the frozen food industry
  • Membership Services

    • Government lobbying and regulatory representation
    • Technical guidance including microbiological safety and food labelling
    • Health and safety support and compliance updates

Specialisation and USP

BFFF’s unique strength lies in its exclusive dedication to frozen food across the full supply chain. The Federation brings together diverse segments of the industry—retail, foodservice, manufacturing, and logistics—into one cohesive network. Its technical expertise, policy influence, and market insight make it the go-to authority for all matters related to frozen food in the UK.

Industry Financials and Market Impact

The UK frozen food industry, represented by BFFF members, is valued at over £8.5 billion as of 2023. According to the Frozen Food Report 2022, the category experienced substantial growth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with increasing consumer demand for long-shelf-life, value-driven, and nutritious food options.

  • Retail frozen food market size: £7.1 billion (Kantar 2022)
  • Foodservice frozen food market: £1.4 billion
  • Year-on-year retail value growth (2021–2022): +6.1%

BFFF’s members include major UK food brands, supermarkets, and logistics companies that handle a substantial portion of these transactions.

Shipment and Trade Activity

While BFFF itself does not engage in commercial trade, it supports export activities of its members through technical resources and government engagement. Many BFFF members are prominent exporters of frozen goods including seafood, meat products, bakery items, and ready meals to the EU, Middle East, and Asia.

BFFF also collaborates with trade agencies to address post-Brexit logistics and certification challenges for frozen food exporters.

Target Market

The Federation primarily targets:

  • Frozen food manufacturers
  • Retailers and supermarkets
  • Foodservice distributors
  • Cold chain and logistics providers
  • Industry consultants and regulatory bodies

BFFF also acts as a knowledge hub for policymakers, academia, and market analysts seeking insights into the frozen food sector.

Capabilities

  • Policy and Regulatory Affairs: Direct engagement with DEFRA, FSA, and Department for Business and Trade
  • Technical Expertise: In-house and consultant specialists for food safety, labelling, sustainability, and transport
  • Market Intelligence: Annual reports, consumer insights, and category performance tracking
  • Event Management: Highly attended industry events with over 500+ delegates annually

Certifications & Compliance

BFFF does not itself hold certifications but provides compliance frameworks and best practices to help members align with:

  • FSA and DEFRA guidelines
  • HACCP principles
  • EU/UK food labelling standards
  • Cold chain integrity regulations

Customer and Member Testimonials

“BFFF’s support during the Brexit transition was instrumental. Their updates and guidance helped us manage our exports seamlessly.”
Logistics Director, Leading UK Frozen Seafood Exporter

“The Frozen Food Report is our go-to resource for planning product development. It’s data-rich and highly relevant.”
Product Manager, UK Retail Chain

Major Achievements

  • Over 75 years of continuous service to the UK frozen food industry
  • Publisher of the most comprehensive annual frozen food report in the UK
  • Organiser of the longest-running frozen food awards in the country
  • Key lobbying body contributing to UK Cold Chain Federation and government policy shaping
  • Successfully advocated for industry relief and flexible regulations during COVID-19 supply chain disruptions

The British Frozen Food Federation continues to be the backbone of a resilient and innovative industry that feeds millions across the UK and beyond, driving value through sustainability, safety, and smart innovation in frozen foods.